If you’re struggling with acne-prone skin, you already know that you need to choose the products that are part of your daily routine wisely. It is a delicate balance. A misstep with a moisturizer or serum instantly opens the door to a total acne breakout.
The tricky thing about acne is that there isn’t one approach that works for everyone to get rid of it. In addition, there are many types of acne. From blackheads to pustules, learning to limit flare-ups — and pimples — is an individual journey. However, there is one key ingredient in the fight against acne: salicylic acid
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a multi-functional ingredient that targets many factors that contribute to acne breakouts. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (ABH) that attacks different types of acne but is particularly effective for blackheads and whiteheads.
Simply put, salicylic acid is one of the skincare ingredients for fighting acne. It is derived from willow bark, just like another recognized anti-inflammatory drug: aspirin. The ingredient is found in many formulas including those of creams, cleansers, tonics, and targeted treatments. Besides treating acne, it also helps control dandruff, psoriasis, and calluses.
Benefits Of The Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is oil soluble, which means it penetrates the oil gland to decrease sebum production and minimize pores. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the appearance of pimples by minimizing inflammation and redness.
“It has an affinity with the oil gland and has an antibacterial effect against cutibacterium acnes, a bacterium known for its role in the development of acne,” says Abdulla. Salicylic acid is also keratolytic (exfoliating properties), allowing it to loosen and dissolve dead skin cells to treat and prevent clogged pores and acne.
Is Salicylic acid good for acne scars?
Some blemishes leave their mark on the skin, even long after the breakout has subsided. Areas of pigmentation persist for months and, sometimes, years. We know that salicylic acid can penetrate deep into the skin, which makes it an effective ingredient for treating acne.
Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help reduce the inflammation of pimples and the redness associated with acne scars, which in turn helps to minimize their appearance over time. Frequent use of salicylic acid is a good addition to the daily skincare routine for most people with oily skin and acne scars. Just be sure to continue your ritual with a broad spectrum SPF as salicylic acid can make the skin more sensitive to the sun and therefore more prone to sunburn.
Products with salicylic acid to look for
Discover the best acne products for clearer skin, lessening the appearance of acne, fighting blackheads, and more.
Those who suffer from acne and oily skin may benefit from adding a salicylic acid facial cleanser to their daily skincare routine, to regulate sebum production. This product has a blend of active ingredients that works to remove bacteria and oil on the skin’s surface. To maximize the effects of salicylic acid, follow up with a salicylic acid serum to soothe and balance the skin.
Salicylic acid clay mask
A targeted dose of salicylic acid can reduce the appearance of a skin blemish in just one or two days, it is recommended to use a clay mask that absorbs the excessive oil of the skin. If your oily skin is prone to regular acne breakouts, once in a week use of a clay mask with salicylic acid can make all the difference.
